West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision.

"Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI.

It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken.

"I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter.

"The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read.

Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad.

The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner.

The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent.

The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers.

"The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said.

Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner.

"The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said.

She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar.

Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer.

"By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote.

The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours.

It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty.

Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam.

Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar.

After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh.

The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened". 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday wrote to the Election Commission protesting transfers of four IPS officers, including Kolkata and Bidhannagar police commissioners. The EC decision is "unfortunate", "highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, the letter said, urging the poll panel to review its decision. "Should there be any deterioration in the law order situation of the state, would the Commission take responsibility?" said the letter, the content of which was shared with PTI. It also asked the EC to initiate a probe as to how and under whose guidance the decision on the transfer of the top police officers was taken. "I strongly feel that the EC plays a neutral role to save democracy in India. But, it is very unfortunate that I have to write this letter today to raise strong protest against the transfer order dated April 5, 2019 issued by the EC by way of removing four senior officers from their existing positions," Banerjee said in her letter. "The decision of the Commission is highly arbitrary, motivated and biased. We have every reason to believe that the decision of the Commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.E the BJP," the letter read. Banerjee alleged that the EC transfer orders came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a BJP candidate alleged in a TV programme that the law and order situation in West Bengal is bad. The EC had on Friday night removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh in a major shake-up ahead of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state. Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Pollution Control Board, was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP, Operations, was named the Bidhannagar police commissioner. The poll body also named Avannu Ravindranath, deputy commissioner (Airport Division) of Bidhannagar, as the new Birbhum superintendent of police and appointed Srihari Pandey, deputy commissioner of Kolkata Armed Police, 3rd Battalion, as the Diamond Harbour police superintendent. The announcement comes days after opposition parties in the state had alleged that free and fair elections would not be possible under these officers. "The flow of events gives rise to strong doubts whether the Commission is functioning as per its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections or working in a manner to appease the ruling BJP at the centre," the letter said. Describing Sharma and Singh as "bright and experienced", she said they had played key roles in the seizure of illegal currency, gold, liquor and other prohibited items and in enforcing law and order in strict manner. "The decision of the ECI to remove these officers leaves a big question mark whether this step is to give a shield to the vested interested parties and their political masters," Banerjee's letter said. She said those brought in place of the two top police officers had been given the duty of police observers in other states and have little idea about Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Stating that law and order is a state subject, Banerjee alleged that the state government was not consulted on the transfer. "By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic, biased and suffers from principles of natural justice," she wrote. The EC had written to Chief Secretary Malay De directing immediate implementation of the transfers and sought a compliance report within 24 hours. It also directed that the police officers who have been transferred should not be involved by the state government in any election-related duty. Both Sharma and Singh were present when Banerjee began her sit-in on February 3 to protest against CBI's attempts to question former police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into the Saradha scam. Kumar was later interrogated by the CBI in Shillong under the orders of the Supreme Court and Sharma had replaced Kumar. After TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's wife was allegedly found carrying gold at the Kolkata airport, BJP had lodged a complaint with the EC against Bidhannagar Police commissioner Gyanwant Singh. The party had demanded that Singh be held responsible for the alleged police interference if "prima facie any such incident happened".

'Unfortunate,' says Mamata in letter to EC against transfer of top police officials

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-bjp-leader-shatrughan-sinha-joins-congress-208300">former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha</a> will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.&nbsp;

The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead.&nbsp;

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Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/giqXNGrEQJ">pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ</a>
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Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-nda-releases-list-of-candidates-for-bihar-ravi-shankar-prasad-replaces-shatrughan-sinha-in-patna-sahib-seat-205017">Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat</a>.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ.&nbsp;

Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency.

Congress party on Saturday announced that veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha will contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency. The development came within hours after Sinha officially joined the Congress party today. Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership, was denied the BJP ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. The party fielded Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat instead. Shatrughan Sinha to contest from Patna Sahib, Bihar on Congress ticket. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/giqXNGrEQJ — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2019 × Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. The National Democratic Alliance, last month, released its list Lok Sabha candidates in Bihar and named Prasad its candidate from Patna Sahib seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which will contest the general polls in Bihar in alliance with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), will contest 17 seats. According to reports, the JD(U) will also fight on 17 seats while 6 seats go to the LPJ. Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha to challenge Ravi Shankar Prasad in Bihar's Patna Sahib 

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken. She is the first transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu to be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. She is contesting as an independent and has been allotted the Computer Mouse symbol.&nbsp;

We caught up with her on her campaign trail, as she traversed the busy lanes of T.Nagar, the commercial hub that falls under the South Chennai Parliamentary constituency. She walks along with her friend Nila, casually chatting with passersby and curious onlookers and urging them to vote for a member of the third gender, that has been neglected and ignored by society.&nbsp;

Speaking fluently in English, Radha recalls that she is a proud post-graduate, with a BA in Economics and MA in English. However, her nomination papers mention only 12th standard as her qualification, as her college certificates were damaged during the 2015 Chennai Floods. Radha laments that despite their educational qualification, jobs are hard to find for a&nbsp;trans person. She makes ends meet by working as&nbsp;a cook and housemaid and is cheerful about her culinary skills.&nbsp;

"I can cook a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes, but continental would be a little difficult as I haven’t had any formal training", she says with a smile. Speaking of her decision to take the political plunge, she says that the rampant sexual violence against women and children, society remaining passive about it is what disturbs her the most. As a transgender, I will fight to ensure health penalty for those behind these crimes.

The other issues that she highlights are the water woes in several areas across her constituency, unchecked disposal of garbage and the lack of adequate toilet facilities outside the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore. While the landmark Supreme Court verdict to strike down Section 377 was a boon to the LGBTQ community, she says that they wish to actively campaign for marriage rights, property rights, adoption etc.&nbsp;

Expressing enthusiasm about her campaign, she says, "there has been a very good response from the public and the fishermen community embraced me and performed aarti, but there are few exceptions where people walk away due to apprehension. I am happy that transgender people are being acknowledged and are able to contribute to society by taking up jobs in the fields of medicine, law, police. So why not politics then?"&nbsp;

Radha will be up against the AIADMK’s incumbent MP J Jayavardhan and DMK’s Thamizhachi Thangapandian and Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Rangarajan and several other candidates from small parties, independents. Referring to the electoral battle that lay ahead, she confidently says, "I am bestowed with a man’s strength and woman’s compassion".

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken.

Life has never been easy for 53-year old Ramanujam (alias) Radha, but she has chosen a tougher path for herself, a path that nobody from her community in Tamil Nadu has taken. She is the first transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu to be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. She is contesting as an independent and has been allotted the Computer Mouse symbol. We caught up with her on her campaign trail, as she traversed the busy lanes of T.Nagar, the commercial hub that falls under the South Chennai Parliamentary constituency. She walks along with her friend Nila, casually chatting with passersby and curious onlookers and urging them to vote for a member of the third gender, that has been neglected and ignored by society. Speaking fluently in English, Radha recalls that she is a proud post-graduate, with a BA in Economics and MA in English. However, her nomination papers mention only 12th standard as her qualification, as her college certificates were damaged during the 2015 Chennai Floods. Radha laments that despite their educational qualification, jobs are hard to find for a trans person. She makes ends meet by working as a cook and housemaid and is cheerful about her culinary skills. "I can cook a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes, but continental would be a little difficult as I haven’t had any formal training", she says with a smile. Speaking of her decision to take the political plunge, she says that the rampant sexual violence against women and children, society remaining passive about it is what disturbs her the most. As a transgender, I will fight to ensure health penalty for those behind these crimes. The other issues that she highlights are the water woes in several areas across her constituency, unchecked disposal of garbage and the lack of adequate toilet facilities outside the famous Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore. While the landmark Supreme Court verdict to strike down Section 377 was a boon to the LGBTQ community, she says that they wish to actively campaign for marriage rights, property rights, adoption etc. Expressing enthusiasm about her campaign, she says, "there has been a very good response from the public and the fishermen community embraced me and performed aarti, but there are few exceptions where people walk away due to apprehension. I am happy that transgender people are being acknowledged and are able to contribute to society by taking up jobs in the fields of medicine, law, police. So why not politics then?" Radha will be up against the AIADMK’s incumbent MP J Jayavardhan and DMK’s Thamizhachi Thangapandian and Makkal Needhi Maiam’s Rangarajan and several other candidates from small parties, independents. Referring to the electoral battle that lay ahead, she confidently says, "I am bestowed with a man’s strength and woman’s compassion".

'I am bestowed with a man's strength and a woman's compassion', says Tamil Nadu's first Transgender candidate

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours).

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state.

Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him.

The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur.

In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area.

Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them.

He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election.

The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party.

BJP president Amit Shah, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar seat, Saturday embarked on a roadshow in the city, on the 39th foundation day of his party. Before the roadshow, which started from Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad in the morning, Shah garlanded the pictures of Jan Sangh founders Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Shah asked the people present there to chant, "Jaha hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai, sara ka sara hamara hai." (Where Mukhejee sacrificed his life, that Kashmir is ours, entire Kashmir is ours). PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had recently criticised Shah, saying he was "daydreaming" about abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that provides special status to the state. Shah set out on the roadshow in an open vehicle with BJP state unit president Jitu Vaghani accompanying him. The roadshow will cover several areas of western parts of Ahmedabad city, which falls in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will pass through areas like Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Jivraj Park, Mansi Crossroad and will end at Haveli in Vastrapur. In the evening, Shah would take out another roadshow that will pass through the Sabarmati area. Shah is expected to meet party workers in Bhopal area of his constituency on Saturday night and interact with them. He has replaced BJP veteran L K Advani, who had been winning uninterrupted from Gandhinagar since 1998. This is Shah's maiden Lok Sabha election. The BJP chief had filed his nomination last Saturday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Ahmedabad: Amit Shah takes out roadshow in Gandhinagar on 39th foundation day of BJP

Veteran actor and former BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shatrughan-sinha-to-join-congress-will-be-star-leader-and-star-campaigner-shakti-singh-gohil-206255">Shatrughan Sinha officially joined Congress</a> on Saturday.

In a press conference held by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala, the former Union minister was inducted into the Congress.&nbsp;Venugopal said Sinha was the "best politician who was earlier with the wrong party".

Randeep Surjewala and&nbsp;AICC in-charge for party's Bihar unit Shaktisinh Gohil also welcomed Sinha into the party.

The development came after Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership was denied the party ticket from&nbsp;Patna Sahib&nbsp;parliamentary constituency in Bihar.

He is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) from the seat. The BJP has fielded Union minister Ravi Shanker Prasad from the prestigious Bihar constituency.

The actor-turned-politician had met Congress&nbsp;president Rahul Gandhi on March 27th in Delhi and had announced his new association following the meeting.

Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Describing himself a great admirer of the Nehru-Gandhi family, he had also said that he would contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Patna Sahib seat.&nbsp;

"In every situation, the location will be the same, Patna," he had said.

Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha officially joined Congress on Saturday. In a press conference held by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala, the former Union minister was inducted into the Congress.

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha officially joined Congress on Saturday. In a press conference held by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala, the former Union minister was inducted into the Congress. Venugopal said Sinha was the "best politician who was earlier with the wrong party". Randeep Surjewala and AICC in-charge for party's Bihar unit Shaktisinh Gohil also welcomed Sinha into the party. The development came after Shatrughan Sinha, a vocal critic of the BJP leadership was denied the party ticket from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency in Bihar. He is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) from the seat. The BJP has fielded Union minister Ravi Shanker Prasad from the prestigious Bihar constituency. The actor-turned-politician had met Congress president Rahul Gandhi on March 27th in Delhi and had announced his new association following the meeting. Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the shipping and health and family welfare minister during former prime minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014. Describing himself a great admirer of the Nehru-Gandhi family, he had also said that he would contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Patna Sahib seat. "In every situation, the location will be the same, Patna," he had said. Bihar will vote in all the seven phases of the general election from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha joins Congress

Opposition parties in West Bengal Friday welcomed the move of the Election Commission to remove four IPS officers, including police commissioners of Kolkata and Bidannagar, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said this would gain the confidence of the voters.&nbsp;

"The police establishment in West Bengal has become a B-team of the Trinamool Congress government. I welcome the move of the ECI ," he told PTI when contacted.

Sinha, who is the candidate for the North Kolkata constituency, claimed free and fair elections were impossible under these IPS officers who were removed Friday night.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and replaced him with Rajesh Kumar. It also removed Bidhan Nagar police chief Gyanwnat Singh and transferred the Birbhum SP and Dimaond Harbour SP.

"Free and fair elections could not have happened if these IPS officers were there. I believe the ECI will make some other changes keeping in mind the polls," he said.

Congress' Pradip Bhattacharya alleged that there were IPS officers who were working for the Trinamool Congress government and such move was always a welcome one.

"We had such complaints last time also. This year we have also seen that there are several IPS and IAS officers who are blatantly working for the ruling party. I have heard that the ECI has removed a few officers. But I do not understand why it has not taken any step against the officers in Malda and Raiganj. I am hopeful that the ECI will soon decide on this as well," he said.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty described the move as a positive.

"During the chief minister's dharna we have seen how these officers showed they were working for the TMC government. These officers have forgotten to show respect to the uniform. I think this was a good move of the ECI otherwise free and fair elections were not possible," he said.

The announcement of the officers' removal came days after the BJP leaders had alleged that free and fair elections were not possible under them.&nbsp;

Rajesh Kumar ADG Pollution Control Board was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP Operations was named the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, an ECI notification about the decisions, said.

It also named Avannu Ravindranath DC (airport division) of Bidhannaga as the new SP of Birbhum and announced Srihari Pandey DC KAP, third battalion as the SP of Diamond Harbour.&nbsp;

Opposition parties in West Bengal Friday welcomed the move of the Election Commission to remove four IPS officers, including police commissioners of Kolkata and Bidannagar, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Opposition parties in West Bengal Friday welcomed the move of the Election Commission to remove four IPS officers, including police commissioners of Kolkata and Bidannagar, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said this would gain the confidence of the voters. "The police establishment in West Bengal has become a B-team of the Trinamool Congress government. I welcome the move of the ECI ," he told PTI when contacted. Sinha, who is the candidate for the North Kolkata constituency, claimed free and fair elections were impossible under these IPS officers who were removed Friday night. The Election Commission of India (ECI) removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and replaced him with Rajesh Kumar. It also removed Bidhan Nagar police chief Gyanwnat Singh and transferred the Birbhum SP and Dimaond Harbour SP. "Free and fair elections could not have happened if these IPS officers were there. I believe the ECI will make some other changes keeping in mind the polls," he said. Congress' Pradip Bhattacharya alleged that there were IPS officers who were working for the Trinamool Congress government and such move was always a welcome one. "We had such complaints last time also. This year we have also seen that there are several IPS and IAS officers who are blatantly working for the ruling party. I have heard that the ECI has removed a few officers. But I do not understand why it has not taken any step against the officers in Malda and Raiganj. I am hopeful that the ECI will soon decide on this as well," he said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty described the move as a positive. "During the chief minister's dharna we have seen how these officers showed they were working for the TMC government. These officers have forgotten to show respect to the uniform. I think this was a good move of the ECI otherwise free and fair elections were not possible," he said. The announcement of the officers' removal came days after the BJP leaders had alleged that free and fair elections were not possible under them. Rajesh Kumar ADG Pollution Control Board was made the new Kolkata top cop, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu, ADG and IGP Operations was named the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, an ECI notification about the decisions, said. It also named Avannu Ravindranath DC (airport division) of Bidhannaga as the new SP of Birbhum and announced Srihari Pandey DC KAP, third battalion as the SP of Diamond Harbour.

Opposition parties in West Bengal welcome Election Commission's move to remove 4 IPS officers

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray.

"We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi.

When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country.

He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters.

For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female.

The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954.

Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category.

He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now.

The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it.

Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said.

The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers. It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray. "We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi. When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country. He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters. For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female. The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954. Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category. He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now. The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it. Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said. The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

10 lakh voters added last week, including 4 lakh first timers: Election Commission

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case.

The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8.

The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier.

The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice.

The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings.

"We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added.

Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1.

He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition.

Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently.

Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court.

Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted.

When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended.

A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case. The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8. The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier. The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice. The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings. "We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added. Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1. He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition. Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently. Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court. Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted. When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended. A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

Plea to restrain Stalin from linking Tamil Nadu chief minister to Kodanad case

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said that Narendra Modi-led government has ensured peace and development in the northeast, which was roiled by militant activities even five years ago.

The BJP is committed to take action against cross-border terrorism and to root out insurgency in the northeast, he said, insisting that political stability returned to Arunachal after the saffron party came to power.

Modi had instructed his ministers to visit the northeast states every fortnight and resolve the problems of the people in the region, Shah said.

"Five years ago, the northeast was disturbed, there was hardly any development. The BJP has brought peace to the region and paved way for its development," he claimed.

"All parts of the northeast now have air and rail connectivity. In Arunachal alone, the govt has sanctioned Rs 50,000 crore for the development of roads," Shah stated.

Noting that Morarji Desai was the last prime minister who attended meetings of the Northeastern Council, Shah said 40 years later, it was Modi again who attended the convention in Shillong.

From Arunachal Pradesh to Kanyakumari, Assam to Gujarat, the BJP will form government everywhere, the BJP chief said, insisting that the winning streak of the party has started in this state.

"It is for the first time that BJP is fighting on all assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh. Our winning streak started in this region when three MLAs of our party were elected uncontested," he said.

Three party candidates have been elected unopposed in Arunachal Pradesh from Aalo east, Yachuli and Dirang assembly constituencies.

Election to Assembly seats and Lok Sabha constituencies will be held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh on April 11.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said that Narendra Modi-led government has ensured peace and development in the northeast, which was roiled by militant activities even five years ago.

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said that Narendra Modi-led government has ensured peace and development in the northeast, which was roiled by militant activities even five years ago. The BJP is committed to take action against cross-border terrorism and to root out insurgency in the northeast, he said, insisting that political stability returned to Arunachal after the saffron party came to power. Modi had instructed his ministers to visit the northeast states every fortnight and resolve the problems of the people in the region, Shah said. "Five years ago, the northeast was disturbed, there was hardly any development. The BJP has brought peace to the region and paved way for its development," he claimed. "All parts of the northeast now have air and rail connectivity. In Arunachal alone, the govt has sanctioned Rs 50,000 crore for the development of roads," Shah stated. Noting that Morarji Desai was the last prime minister who attended meetings of the Northeastern Council, Shah said 40 years later, it was Modi again who attended the convention in Shillong. From Arunachal Pradesh to Kanyakumari, Assam to Gujarat, the BJP will form government everywhere, the BJP chief said, insisting that the winning streak of the party has started in this state. "It is for the first time that BJP is fighting on all assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh. Our winning streak started in this region when three MLAs of our party were elected uncontested," he said. Three party candidates have been elected unopposed in Arunachal Pradesh from Aalo east, Yachuli and Dirang assembly constituencies. Election to Assembly seats and Lok Sabha constituencies will be held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh on April 11.

BJP brought peace and development to northeast: Amit Shah

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati attacked the BJP and the Opposition Congress on Thursday, alleging that both the parties failed to address the problems of the weaker sections.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, she said the 'Chaiwallah' who enacted a "new drama" of 'Chowkidar' would undoubtedly be rejected by the people in the coming elections.

Addressing an election meeting in Tirupati on Thursday, Mayawati lashed out at the Congress, saying the party, which ruled the country for 70 years, had miserably failed to ensure social justice and empowerment of the weaker sections of the society.

As a result, its rule had been rejected in many states and at the Centre as well, she said.

The BSP chief, who spoke in Hindi, claimed that the BJP was also following in the Congress' footsteps by ignoring the welfare of the weaker sections.

She alleged that aggressive approaches of the BJP and the RSS have created more problems for the weaker sections and minorities in the country.

The BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha and 21 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh as part of the electoral alliance with the Jana Sena led by Pawan Kalyan.

Kalyan, who was also present, said a special governing body headed by Andhra Pradesh chief minister would be constituted in the place of existing board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) that governs the Venkateswara temple if his party was voted to power.

"There is a dire need to protect the safety, serenity and sanctity of the ancient hill shrine with a body to be headed by none other than the chief minister of the state itself," the actor-turned-politician said.

He hit out at the YSR Congress Party led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and alleged that it was practising unruly politics.

Kalyan appealed to the people to vote for the nominees of the Jana Sena-BSP-left parties in the coming Lok Sabha and state assembly elections for better governance and to uplift the poor and downtrodden.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati attacked the BJP and the Opposition Congress on Thursday, alleging that both the parties failed to address the problems of the weaker sections.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati attacked the BJP and the Opposition Congress on Thursday, alleging that both the parties failed to address the problems of the weaker sections. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, she said the 'Chaiwallah' who enacted a "new drama" of 'Chowkidar' would undoubtedly be rejected by the people in the coming elections. Addressing an election meeting in Tirupati on Thursday, Mayawati lashed out at the Congress, saying the party, which ruled the country for 70 years, had miserably failed to ensure social justice and empowerment of the weaker sections of the society. As a result, its rule had been rejected in many states and at the Centre as well, she said. The BSP chief, who spoke in Hindi, claimed that the BJP was also following in the Congress' footsteps by ignoring the welfare of the weaker sections. She alleged that aggressive approaches of the BJP and the RSS have created more problems for the weaker sections and minorities in the country. The BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha and 21 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh as part of the electoral alliance with the Jana Sena led by Pawan Kalyan. Kalyan, who was also present, said a special governing body headed by Andhra Pradesh chief minister would be constituted in the place of existing board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) that governs the Venkateswara temple if his party was voted to power. "There is a dire need to protect the safety, serenity and sanctity of the ancient hill shrine with a body to be headed by none other than the chief minister of the state itself," the actor-turned-politician said. He hit out at the YSR Congress Party led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and alleged that it was practising unruly politics. Kalyan appealed to the people to vote for the nominees of the Jana Sena-BSP-left parties in the coming Lok Sabha and state assembly elections for better governance and to uplift the poor and downtrodden.

Mayawati slams Congress, BJP in Tirupati rally

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.&nbsp;

Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time.

The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month.

Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS.

The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. 
While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone.

Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana.

He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls.

"The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told.

On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law.

There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said.&nbsp;

The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state.

According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.&nbsp;

A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said.

"We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said.

He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018.&nbsp;

He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected.

TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said.

Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said.

He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation.&nbsp;

"The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said.

The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed.

Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks.

The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said.

The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said.

"The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued.

Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said.

Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating. Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time. The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month. Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS. The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone. Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana. He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls. "The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told. On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law. There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said. The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state. According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana. A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said. "We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said. He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018. He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected. TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said. Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said. He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation. "The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said. The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed. Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks. The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said. The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said. "The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued. Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said. Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.

Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana: Political analyst

At a time when BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed its five-year term, it is time to evaluate the government’s performance in the last five years.&nbsp;

Foreign policy has been one of the most talked about aspects of Modi’s tenure. There is no denying the fact that this government has appeared determined to go beyond established foreign policy norms. &nbsp;

The first sign of this was the Modi government’s announcement of its “Neighbourhood First” policy. So, while the Prime Minister visited all other South Asian countries, India settled its long-standing border problem with Bangladesh and ties with Sri Lanka and Nepal marked an encouraging upward trajectory.&nbsp;

The relationship between Bhutan and Afghanistan also touched new heights.&nbsp;

Though India faced a tough time in dealing with Maldives during the tenure of President Mohammed Waheed Hassan, Modi’s calibrated efforts have helped New Delhi in reconnecting historical ties with Male after the coming of the President Ibrahim Solih last year.&nbsp;

As about Pakistan, the Modi government initially adopted the conventional method of fostering working ties. Thus, he invited Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his government’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi in 2014, and later dropped by Lahore for Sharif’s birthday.&nbsp;

Pakistan, however, reciprocated with terrorist attacks against India. But unlike in the past, India under Modi showed the determination to hit back Pakistan proportionately.&nbsp;

It was in this context text that India carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan territory along the border after the Uri terrorist attack. Later, the IAF went deep inside Pakistan hitting a LeT training ground at Balakot in response to the deadly Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Terming its air strikes as “non-military pre-emptive” action, the Indian government succeeded in garnering global support. Even China could not openly support Pakistan against India’s action.&nbsp;

India’s successive military and air strikes have called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff. They have shifted India’s Pakistan policy in two ways: first, New Delhi can in future exercise similar options against Pakistan if Islamabad fails to reign-in terrorist organisations operating from its soil against India.&nbsp;

Second, the world community increasingly shares India’s concerns about Pakistan having emerged as the epicentre of terrorism. This is why efforts led by the US have been intensified to designate Hafiz Saeed as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

At a time when ASEAN countries want India to play an active role in the region, the Modi government has brought about a new energy in India’s orientation towards Southeast Asian countries.&nbsp;

India’s Middle East policy under Modi has also undergone a defining shift, with New Delhi finally removing the veil over its ties with Israel. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit that country.&nbsp;

At the same time, he has left no stone unturned in strengthening ties with the other countries of the region. The success of Modi’s Middle East policy can be gauged from the fact that India was invited to address the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). &nbsp;

The Modi government has been successful in dealing with all the major powers –the US, Russia, China, France, Japan and others.&nbsp;

Displaying astute pragmatism, the Prime Minister has shown his determination to elevate ties with the US by signing several important agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA). This has helped in removing long-standing obstacles in realising the potential of defence ties with the US.&nbsp;

Signing the S-400 missile agreement with Russia simultaneously, underscored the Modi government’s effort to maintain India’s strategic autonomy vis-a-vis the US and to effectively checkmate Islamabad’s desire to foster defence ties with Moscow.&nbsp;

With regard to China, while the Modi government continued to promote friendly ties, its strong response to Beijing on the Doklam issue showed India’s readiness to rise to the occasion, when needed. &nbsp; India under Modi has come out of its timid approach to assert its rightful place in international politics.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-modi-years-represent-a-paradigm-shift-in-foreign-policy-2736395">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

At a time when BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed its five-year term, it is time to evaluate the government’s performance in the last five years.

At a time when BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed its five-year term, it is time to evaluate the government’s performance in the last five years. Foreign policy has been one of the most talked about aspects of Modi’s tenure. There is no denying the fact that this government has appeared determined to go beyond established foreign policy norms. The first sign of this was the Modi government’s announcement of its “Neighbourhood First” policy. So, while the Prime Minister visited all other South Asian countries, India settled its long-standing border problem with Bangladesh and ties with Sri Lanka and Nepal marked an encouraging upward trajectory. The relationship between Bhutan and Afghanistan also touched new heights. Though India faced a tough time in dealing with Maldives during the tenure of President Mohammed Waheed Hassan, Modi’s calibrated efforts have helped New Delhi in reconnecting historical ties with Male after the coming of the President Ibrahim Solih last year. As about Pakistan, the Modi government initially adopted the conventional method of fostering working ties. Thus, he invited Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his government’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi in 2014, and later dropped by Lahore for Sharif’s birthday. Pakistan, however, reciprocated with terrorist attacks against India. But unlike in the past, India under Modi showed the determination to hit back Pakistan proportionately. It was in this context text that India carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan territory along the border after the Uri terrorist attack. Later, the IAF went deep inside Pakistan hitting a LeT training ground at Balakot in response to the deadly Pulwama attack. Terming its air strikes as “non-military pre-emptive” action, the Indian government succeeded in garnering global support. Even China could not openly support Pakistan against India’s action. India’s successive military and air strikes have called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff. They have shifted India’s Pakistan policy in two ways: first, New Delhi can in future exercise similar options against Pakistan if Islamabad fails to reign-in terrorist organisations operating from its soil against India. Second, the world community increasingly shares India’s concerns about Pakistan having emerged as the epicentre of terrorism. This is why efforts led by the US have been intensified to designate Hafiz Saeed as a global terrorist. At a time when ASEAN countries want India to play an active role in the region, the Modi government has brought about a new energy in India’s orientation towards Southeast Asian countries. India’s Middle East policy under Modi has also undergone a defining shift, with New Delhi finally removing the veil over its ties with Israel. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit that country. At the same time, he has left no stone unturned in strengthening ties with the other countries of the region. The success of Modi’s Middle East policy can be gauged from the fact that India was invited to address the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Modi government has been successful in dealing with all the major powers –the US, Russia, China, France, Japan and others. Displaying astute pragmatism, the Prime Minister has shown his determination to elevate ties with the US by signing several important agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA). This has helped in removing long-standing obstacles in realising the potential of defence ties with the US. Signing the S-400 missile agreement with Russia simultaneously, underscored the Modi government’s effort to maintain India’s strategic autonomy vis-a-vis the US and to effectively checkmate Islamabad’s desire to foster defence ties with Moscow. With regard to China, while the Modi government continued to promote friendly ties, its strong response to Beijing on the Doklam issue showed India’s readiness to rise to the occasion, when needed. India under Modi has come out of its timid approach to assert its rightful place in international politics. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Narendra Modi government has been successful in dealing with major world powers

Union Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irani-mostly-angry-trying-to-copy-amitabh-bachchan-but-always-ends-up-being-villain-surjewala-208051">BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani</a> on Friday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-love-narendra-modi-no-anger-against-him-rahul-gandhi-208114">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India.

"Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi went with anti-Bharat forces to file his nomination. Every time he reveals his real motive that he is not with Hindustan but with those elements who want to break Hindustan," said Smriti Irani, while talking to ANI at Jagdishpur in Amethi.

"The people in the national capital have already heard how he stood in support of 'Bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' (India will be ripped apart) slogan. Also, the recently released manifesto of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has tried to defame the Army and supported slogans like 'bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' ", said Smriti Irani.

She also alleged that Rahul colluded with scamsters for financial gains.

"He has to give answer to the nation why he stood with everyone who looted the nation. Newspaper reports say that Rahul Gandhi's name came up in AgustaWestland Scam, earlier also his name surfaced in land scam cases and he has benefitted himself in monetary terms," she said.

The&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;manifesto released on Tuesday promised significant changes in the laws, like quashing of the&nbsp;Sedition&nbsp;law and amendment to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The manifesto proposed to decriminalise laws that are essentially directed against civil violations and can be subjected to civil penalties. The laws include the sedition law and defamation.

Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani on Friday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India.

Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani on Friday said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi is supporting the anti-national elements who want to break India. "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi went with anti-Bharat forces to file his nomination. Every time he reveals his real motive that he is not with Hindustan but with those elements who want to break Hindustan," said Smriti Irani, while talking to ANI at Jagdishpur in Amethi. "The people in the national capital have already heard how he stood in support of 'Bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' (India will be ripped apart) slogan. Also, the recently released manifesto of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has tried to defame the Army and supported slogans like 'bharat-tere-tukde-hoge' ", said Smriti Irani. She also alleged that Rahul colluded with scamsters for financial gains. "He has to give answer to the nation why he stood with everyone who looted the nation. Newspaper reports say that Rahul Gandhi's name came up in AgustaWestland Scam, earlier also his name surfaced in land scam cases and he has benefitted himself in monetary terms," she said. The Congress manifesto released on Tuesday promised significant changes in the laws, like quashing of the Sedition law and amendment to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The manifesto proposed to decriminalise laws that are essentially directed against civil violations and can be subjected to civil penalties. The laws include the sedition law and defamation.

Smriti Irani accuses Rahul Gandhi of supporting anti-national elements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahagathbandhan-is-political-circus-recipe-for-chaos-arun-jaitley-206527">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case.

At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'&nbsp;mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case."

Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well.

"Are 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley.

Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?"

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant."

Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q'&nbsp;appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q'&nbsp;must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then."

"It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP'&nbsp;and 'FAM'," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for keeping silent over the charge sheet in AgustaWestland deal case. At a press conference here, Jaitley said, "Rahul Gandhi talks on several subjects. He makes wild and unsubstantiated allegations against all and sundry. Now, who are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' mentioned in the charge sheet in the AgustaWestland case." Commenting on the diary recovered by Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the accused in the deal, Sushen Mohan Gupta, who is under arrest now, Jaitly said, "There is an erroneous belief among Indian politicians that a diary is never admissible as evidence. A diary constitutes an admission in writing and is admissible against the maker of that admission. It is admissible against the other co-conspirators as well. "Are 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM' fictional characters or were they in a position to influence the deal?", questioned Jaitley. Hitting out at the Congress President, Jaitley said, "How come every time there is a controversial defence deal and evidence is collected, names close to the Congress Party’s first family start appearing?" Slamming Rahul Gandhi for his silence over the deal, Jaitley said, "The Right to Silence is available to an accused, not to a Prime Ministerial aspirant." Citing the example of Bofors case, Jaitley said, "Alphabet 'Q' appeared in Martin Ardbo's diary in the Bofors Case, with a comment that 'Q' must be protected at all cost, the Congress party was in denial even then." "It is only when the Swiss authorities in 1993 disclosed the names of one of the beneficiaries of the kickbacks of Bofors being paid as Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Narasimha Rao Government facilitated his escape from India in less than 24 hours. This did not wash away the ghost of ‘Q’ which had scarred the face of the Congress Party nor will 'RG', 'AP' and 'FAM'," he added.

Who are 'AP', 'FAM' mentioned in charge sheet?: Arun Jaitley questions Rahul's silence on chopper case

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday.&nbsp;

The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.&nbsp;

Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest.&nbsp;

This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh.&nbsp;

The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Gyanwant Singh on Friday. The Commission posted Dr Rajesh Kumar, presently serving as ADG, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Natarajan Ramesh Babu is presently posted as ADG and IG, Operations as the new Bidhannagar Police Commissioner. Interestingly, Sharma and Singh were reportedly seen sharing the ‘dharna’ spot of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while protesting the CBI's move to investigate former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Opposition parties on several occasions levelled concerns over Sharma and Singh being directly involved in the electoral process after they were reportedly seen at the protest. This apart, two other officers were also transferred. Selva Murugan was transferred from the post of SP Diamond Harbour Police district. Avvaru Ravindranath was posted as the SP Diamond Harbour. Shrihari Pandey was posted as SP Diamond Harbour replacing former SP Shyam Singh. The notification issued by the ECI reads, “The direction of the Commission be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in respect of joining of above officers be sent within 24 hours. The present incumbent officers being shifted not to be involved by the state government in any election-related duties.”

West Bengal: ECI transfers Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma seen at Mamata Banerjee’s dharna 

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency.

In a press statement, Mahajan, an eight-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Indore, said that the reason behind the decision was the delay in announcing the BJP candidate from the Indore seat.

"BJP has not declared its candidate from Indore. Why this state of indecision? Possibly the party has some hesitation in taking a decision. Even though I had a discussion with the leadership long back and left the decision to the party, it seems they are still in a dilemma. Therefore, I announce that I will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and the party is free to decide, without any hesitation," she said.

Reacting to Mahajan's decision, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Sumitra tai is our senior leader. She has refused to contest the elections; hence, we are looking for a candidate."

Apart from Mahajan, senior BJP leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, and BC Khanduri have announced that they will not to contest the polls.

In Madhya Pradesh, polling will take place in four phases on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Indore parliamentary constituency will vote on May 19. Counting of votes will be&nbsp;held on May 23.

 
&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday announced her decision not to contest the general elections and said that BJP is free to name a candidate from Indore parliamentary constituency. In a press statement, Mahajan, an eight-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Indore, said that the reason behind the decision was the delay in announcing the BJP candidate from the Indore seat. "BJP has not declared its candidate from Indore. Why this state of indecision? Possibly the party has some hesitation in taking a decision. Even though I had a discussion with the leadership long back and left the decision to the party, it seems they are still in a dilemma. Therefore, I announce that I will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and the party is free to decide, without any hesitation," she said. Reacting to Mahajan's decision, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Sumitra tai is our senior leader. She has refused to contest the elections; hence, we are looking for a candidate." Apart from Mahajan, senior BJP leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalraj Mishra, and BC Khanduri have announced that they will not to contest the polls. In Madhya Pradesh, polling will take place in four phases on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Indore parliamentary constituency will vote on May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Sumitra Majahan won't contest, says BJP free to name candidate from Indore

Union Minister of Railways and former Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday expressed his happiness over the rate cuts announced by the RBI.

He also praised the RBI Governor Shaktikant Das.

"I am glad that the Governor of the RBI seems to have made the right moves in the last five months," he said while speaking to reporters.

On being asked if the rate cuts should have come earlier, Goyal said, "I wish everybody was as persistent in the effort to promote growth."

The Union Minister added, "Heinous crime of politician needs to be brought out in the public and India needs to know about those politicians. Such politicians should not be given space in politics."

Goyal also talked of the advantage of Electoral bonds while claiming that his party is seriously working to bring legitimate money in the election.

"Electoral bonds advantage is that there is anonymity but you can give it to any party and nobody will know about it. We as a party had decided not to accept money without cheque or bond," he said while asserting that Electoral bonds have an important role in good governance.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday cut repo rate for the second consecutive time this year to 6 per cent from the current 6.25 per cent, a move that will cheer industry leaders over relief from high borrowing costs a week before the first phase of General elections.

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Minister of Railways and former Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday expressed his happiness over the rate cuts announced by the RBI. He also praised the RBI Governor Shaktikant Das.

Union Minister of Railways and former Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday expressed his happiness over the rate cuts announced by the RBI. He also praised the RBI Governor Shaktikant Das. "I am glad that the Governor of the RBI seems to have made the right moves in the last five months," he said while speaking to reporters. On being asked if the rate cuts should have come earlier, Goyal said, "I wish everybody was as persistent in the effort to promote growth." The Union Minister added, "Heinous crime of politician needs to be brought out in the public and India needs to know about those politicians. Such politicians should not be given space in politics." Goyal also talked of the advantage of Electoral bonds while claiming that his party is seriously working to bring legitimate money in the election. "Electoral bonds advantage is that there is anonymity but you can give it to any party and nobody will know about it. We as a party had decided not to accept money without cheque or bond," he said while asserting that Electoral bonds have an important role in good governance. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday cut repo rate for the second consecutive time this year to 6 per cent from the current 6.25 per cent, a move that will cheer industry leaders over relief from high borrowing costs a week before the first phase of General elections.

Piyush Goyal 'glad' over RBI governor 'making right moves'

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lok-sabha-polls-2019-chinese-wall-graffiti-appear-on-kolkata-streets-207629">graffiti of political leaders</a> making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries.

According to a political analyst, Bengal has always had a Chinese connection as the Left leaders in the state often swore by the communist regime in the neighbouring country, lauding its policies.

The people of Chinatown, however, have largely stayed away from the hustle and bustle of election. This time around, the scenario has changed.

Kolkata's Chinese connect has taken a new form and shape, with people in this part of the city coming out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), painting the township blue and white (the colours of the ruling party) with political slogans in Mandarin.

One can easily spot sketches of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's candidate from South Kolkata seat, Mala Roy, adorning the whitewashed walls of the Chinatown with 'Vote for Trinamool Congress' written in the Chinese language beside the drawings.

A graffiti featuring Modi in his 'chowkidaar' avatar, while another with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi on a Kingfisher airline plane, have also occupied space on the fences.

Roy, who is the chairperson of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), claimed that many in the town are loyal supporters of the TMC.

She claimed that the residents have taken it upon themselves to campaign for the party, without any prodding from the leaders.

"Of the 5,000 Chinese people residing in the town, 2,000 are eligible voters. We work with them throughout the year," the TMC candidate asserted.

Translating the Mandarin slogans, KMC councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan said the town residents have urged people to support TMC and vote for Mala Roy.

Vincent Lee, a Chinese-origin man born and raised in the city, said that this was the first time he came across a political graffiti in the settlement.

Lee (55), who runs a shoe shop at Bentinck Street in the central part of Kolkata, said, "This is unique, many of us are voters, but never have I seen a political graffiti in Mandarin in the town."

Franchis Hing, another Indian of Chinese ancestry, said he and his family are involved in the tannery business and have never had anything to do with local politics.

He, however, acknowledged that the town has never seen its people openly supporting a political party.

The Chinese-origin people in the city, whose ancestors moved here in the 18th century, are mostly involved in manufacture and trade of leather goods or running Chinese restaurants.

According to a study, the numbers of Chinese-origin people, which was nearly 20,000 in the city at one point of time, have dwindled over the years with many migrating to countries like Canada, USA and Australia.&nbsp;

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with graffiti of political leaders making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries.

The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with graffiti of political leaders making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries. According to a political analyst, Bengal has always had a Chinese connection as the Left leaders in the state often swore by the communist regime in the neighbouring country, lauding its policies. The people of Chinatown, however, have largely stayed away from the hustle and bustle of election. This time around, the scenario has changed. Kolkata's Chinese connect has taken a new form and shape, with people in this part of the city coming out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), painting the township blue and white (the colours of the ruling party) with political slogans in Mandarin. One can easily spot sketches of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's candidate from South Kolkata seat, Mala Roy, adorning the whitewashed walls of the Chinatown with 'Vote for Trinamool Congress' written in the Chinese language beside the drawings. A graffiti featuring Modi in his 'chowkidaar' avatar, while another with Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi on a Kingfisher airline plane, have also occupied space on the fences. Roy, who is the chairperson of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), claimed that many in the town are loyal supporters of the TMC. She claimed that the residents have taken it upon themselves to campaign for the party, without any prodding from the leaders. "Of the 5,000 Chinese people residing in the town, 2,000 are eligible voters. We work with them throughout the year," the TMC candidate asserted. Translating the Mandarin slogans, KMC councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan said the town residents have urged people to support TMC and vote for Mala Roy. Vincent Lee, a Chinese-origin man born and raised in the city, said that this was the first time he came across a political graffiti in the settlement. Lee (55), who runs a shoe shop at Bentinck Street in the central part of Kolkata, said, "This is unique, many of us are voters, but never have I seen a political graffiti in Mandarin in the town." Franchis Hing, another Indian of Chinese ancestry, said he and his family are involved in the tannery business and have never had anything to do with local politics. He, however, acknowledged that the town has never seen its people openly supporting a political party. The Chinese-origin people in the city, whose ancestors moved here in the 18th century, are mostly involved in manufacture and trade of leather goods or running Chinese restaurants. According to a study, the numbers of Chinese-origin people, which was nearly 20,000 in the city at one point of time, have dwindled over the years with many migrating to countries like Canada, USA and Australia.

Mandarin graffiti in support of TMC adorn walls of Kolkata's Chinatown

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands&nbsp;his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.&nbsp;

''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them&nbsp;in my entire campaign,''&nbsp; Rahul said.

The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West.&nbsp;

There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi&nbsp;and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added,&nbsp;''My aim is to send a message,'' he said.

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Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign <a href="https://t.co/IY8Mu10hYe">pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1113711400747184128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs.&nbsp;

Roadshow

Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/lVxKhDxGrZ">pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ</a>
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The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate.

As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI.

Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd.

As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.

Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar.

Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them.

Minutes after filing the nomination papers for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that he understands his brothers and sisters in CPM would attack him but he won't say a word against them. ''I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against them in my entire campaign,'' Rahul said. The Congress leader said that he had come to Kerala to send a message that India is one, be it North, South, East or West. There is a feeling in South India that the way Centre, Modi and RSS are working, it's like an assault on culture and languages in South, Gandhi said and added, ''My aim is to send a message,'' he said. Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: I understand that my brothers and sisters in CPM will now speak against me and attack me, but I am not going to say a word against the CPM in my entire campaign pic.twitter.com/IY8Mu10hYe — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × Launching a broadside on Modi, he said youngsters in the country are running from state to state for jobs. Roadshow Braving the scorching heat, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, began a roadshow Thursday in the hilly Wayanad constituency as part of his poll campaign for the April 23 Lok Sabha elections. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad after filing nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ramesh Chennithala also present. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/lVxKhDxGrZ — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2019 × The AICC chief, along with the state leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, came out in an open vehicle after Gandhi completed the nomination procedures at the district collectorate. As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle, reported news agency PTI. Gandhi and Priyanka waved to the crowd. As the vehicle inched forward, Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters. Earlier, Gandhi filed nomination before the district collector A R Ajayakumar. Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief. (With inputs from PTI)

'Not going to say a word' against CPM in my entire campaign: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers.&nbsp;

The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said.&nbsp;

They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present.&nbsp;

A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added.

While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi filed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad</a>, where he was accompanied by his sister.&nbsp;

Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18.&nbsp;

The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will file his nomination from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat on April 10 and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will do the same from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency on April 11, party sources said on Thursday. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be present with her brother and mother when they file their nomination papers. The family will be together on both days with Rahul Gandhi accompanying his mother in Rae Bareli and Sonia Gandhi present while he files his papers in Amethi, the sources said. They said the filing of nomination papers will be a big show of strength and the top Congress leadership will be present. A road show is also likely to be taken out after the filing of papers, the sources added. While both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are contesting from the constituencies they have represented for many years, the Congress chief has this time also decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers on Thursday in Wayanad, where he was accompanied by his sister. Elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli will be held in the fifth phase of elections on May 6. The process of filing of nomination starts on April 10 and continues till April 18. The Congress has decided to go it alone in Uttar Pradesh after it was left out of the alliance between SP and BSP. They said they will not field any candidates for the two seats being contested by the top Congress leadership.

Rahul to file nomination from Amethi on April 10, Sonia from Rae Bareli on April 11

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-michel-identifies-ap-as-ahmed-patel-in-ed-chargesheet-208068">he has not named anybody</a> in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a> <a href="https://t.co/f2VskwSC6i">pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i</a>
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Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal.

"Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said.

Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court.

"The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said.

"Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed.

It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported.&nbsp;

"ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported.

Christian Michel, alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam, told a Delhi court on Friday that he has not named anybody in connection with the deal during the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which has filed a supplementary charge sheet, news agency PTI reported. The development came shortly after reports emerged suggesting Michel to have identified the initials "AP" as Congress leader Ahmed Patel in a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before a court on Thursday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't bat an eye in picking up the matter today and slammed the Congress party. Addressing a rally in Uttarakhand's Dehradun, PM Modi said that those involved in the helicopter scam include 'AP' and 'FAM'. "It is mentioned in the charge sheet that 'AP' stands for 'Ahmed Patel' and 'FAM' is for 'family'," the PM said. #WATCH PM in Dehradun: ...helicopter ghotale ke dalaalon ne jin logon ko ghoos dene ki baat kahi hai usmein ek 'AP' hai, dusra 'FAM' hai. Issi chargesheet mein kaha gaya hai ki 'AP' ka matlab hai 'Ahmed Patel' aur 'FAM' ka matlab hai family. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/f2VskwSC6i — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2019 × Michel, on Friday, alleged that the central government was using agencies for political agenda. He filed an application after the reports appeared that ED in its charge sheet has named politicians of the previous UPA dispensation, defence personnel, bureaucrats and journalists as the beneficiaries of the controversial defence deal. "Michel has not named anyone in his statement before the agency which is being leaked to media. This is only to make the matter sensational and prejudice the case against my client," his counsel, Aljo K Joseph said. Michel has questioned as to how the charge sheet was leaked to the media even before its cognisance was taken by the court. "The court is duty bound to balance it. Even to ensure a free and fair trail the court can temporarily curtail the freedom of media to ensure free and fair trial," the plea said. "Since this court is yet to take cognisance of the charge sheet, it appeared that the ED has clandestinely provided a copy of the same to the media houses which were publishing the same in installments only to sensationalise the issue and prejudice the accused named therein even before cognisance was taken by this court," the plea claimed. It said that selective portions of the charge sheet have been published in the media which make it clear that the ED was not interested in a fair trial in a court of law but in a trial by media, PTI reported. "ED is making mockery of the judicial process resulting in a complete travesty of justice. The extradition treaty prohibited the extradition of accused involved in the political offences and the government is now using the ED and all the investigating agencies for the political purpose. The supply of the charge sheet to the media houses is the best example of that," it said, adding that such hostile remarks might curtail the rights of Michel to a free and fair trial as he was a citizen of another country. (With inputs from PTI)

Didn't name anyone in connection with chopper deal, Michel tells Delhi court; PM Modi says charge sheet names 'Ahmed Patel', 'family'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-akhilesh-yadav-vs-dinesh-lal-yadav-nirahua-fight-puts-the-spotlight-on-azamgarh-207977">Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".&nbsp;

The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. &nbsp;

Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people."

"We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said.

The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex."

(With inputs from PTI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday released party manifesto ahead of the Lok Sabha polls due next week. Calling the manifesto their "vision document", Yadav said the document will be used for "answering the BJP". The 16-page document called for 'mahaparivartan' (mega transformation) and emphasised the gaping chasm between the rich and the poor. While releasing the document, the SP chief said the future of the country should be better for all sections, including farmers and Muslims. Asked whether the document is an election manifesto, Yadav said, "If I say it is a manifesto, you will ask are you going to form a government. This is a vision document or message to party cadre with which they will reply to the BJP and understand the party's stand on various issues. Our party candidates and workers will take it to people." "We feel the future of the country should be better for all sections - be it farmers, youth or Muslims. The chasm between rich and poor has become very wide," he said. The document, studded with the photographs of Akhilesh and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also carried Ram Manohar Lohia's quote, "The fight against poverty is a farce till there is discrimination on basis of caste and sex." (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases 'vision document'; calls for mega transformation

The reluctance to concede ground to allies and its choice of candidates are sufficient indications that Congress is experimenting with the 2019 general elections to revive its organisational structure, rather than halt BJP’s march. &nbsp;

This is particularly pronounced in politically crucial UP. &nbsp;

Political pundits want to know why Congress has changed its strategy from consolidating secular and democratic forces, to going alone in key states. &nbsp;

Even its earlier plans to prevent the consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by adopting soft Hindutva, has been ignored. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike Sonia Gandhi’s strategy that led to the defeat of Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government in 2004, Rahul Gandhi has chosen to rebuild the mortgaged and depleted Congress 'haveli’, instead of dealing with the real situation on the ground.&nbsp;

At a time, when the grand old party faces a real political threat, it is surprising that it was still not ready to concede ground to like-minded allies.

Even in Jammu and Kashmir, where the party has no base, it has refused to part with two seats in the Kashmir Valley to ally National Conference or the PDP. Both these parties left two seats in the Jammu region to the Congress, making the contest a cliff hanger for the BJP. &nbsp;

Instead, the Congress has fielded candidates from the north and south Kashmir seats. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In stitching alliances, the NDA has taken the lead, cobbling together 40 parties. It has succeeded in bringing in estranged partners like Shiv Sena and Asom Gana Parishad, who were critical of Modi over the years. &nbsp;

Alliances need sacrifices and BJP has shown the way by sacrificing its ministers and sitting MPs to concede seats to its allies. &nbsp;

In the words of analyst Anurag Modi, the common village voter is hardly influenced by TV debates. His voice may not be heard by those sitting at the highest pedestals, but his time comes when India votes. &nbsp;

Congress’s main challenge is to avoid the fragmentation of this vote. This can only be possible if Rahul Gandhi ignores sycophants around him and toes his mother’s tried and tested line.

Rahul Gandhi’s experiment fits in with the resolution adopted at the September 1998 Congress session at the scenic Pachmarhi hills in Madhya Pradesh. &nbsp;

The party decided to reclaim its lost ground by going to the polls alone, with the exception of few states like Tamil Nadu.

Leaders, more sycophantic than visionary, told Sonia Gandhi in 1998 that the NDA will disappear and meet a fate similar to the Janata Party in 1979, which had ousted the Congress under powerful Indira Gandhi for just two years. &nbsp;

It would appear that Rahul Gandhi has reached similar conclusions about the secular and regional parties thriving at the expense of the Congress. &nbsp;

A senior Congress leader bluntly confided to this writer that while BJP is a political rival, regional secular parties were enemies. “They have eaten into our vote base, making us non-existent in West Bengal, Bihar, UP and Tamil Nadu,” he said. &nbsp;

Sonia learned that going alone will harm the party. In the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, fighting solo under Sonia Gandhi, the Congress lost more ground, depleting its numbers further. &nbsp;

Thereafter, the party lost state after state in the assembly elections. Following the 2002 Gujarat riots, CPI(M) general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet approached Sonia and asked her to review the Pachmarhi resolution.&nbsp;

In a brainstorming session at Shimla in July 2003, the party adopted an open-minded approach on pre-poll and post-poll alliances, which, it said will be implemented at the national level.

Soon after the Karnataka assembly elections last year in May, a revival of the 2004 Congress spirit to lead liberal and democratic forces, resurfaced.&nbsp;

It was, in fact, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati who immediately dialled Sonia after the Karnataka election results indicated a fractured mandate. &nbsp;

She reportedly brought the Congress and Janata Dal (S) chief, HD Devegowda, together to keep the BJP at bay in the southern state. She called up Devegowda and convinced him to take Congress support.&nbsp;

Naturally, questions are being asked as to why Rahul didn’t restructure or rebuild the organisation in the last five years.

After its worst defeat in 2014, it was a godsend scenario for the current Congress president to initiate reforms and delegate powers to district committees to choose candidates and be accountable. He had ample time to get the organisation come out of the grip of family loyalists.

The result is that Congress remains in tatters, as Rahul has done nothing except make noises about “structural reforms”. &nbsp;

He first told workers in UP that the party would not be revived in the state unless it contests on its own and then justified an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in the last assembly election. &nbsp;

Even though Congress continues to be a central column for any secular alliance, there is need to have clarity on alliances.

Many opposition leaders asked the Congress to emulate a Bihar-type grand alliance at the national level by sacrificing ego.&nbsp;

Tactically, they asked the party to focus on west India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and leave eastern India, basically UP and Bihar, to regional parties to limit seats of the BJP-led NDA. &nbsp;

But in the words of Rasheed Kidwai, a veteran writer on Congress affairs, the party’s 2019 story is bad and muddled. &nbsp;

In addition to Rahul Gandhi’s inexperience, the grand old party lacks self-belief and its ability to communicate and connect, even though it has produced a really sound manifesto. But then Indian elections are not contested on manifestos alone.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-ignoring-key-election-allies-what-is-congress-gameplan-for-ls-poll-2019-2736401">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The reluctance to concede ground to allies and its choice of candidates are sufficient indications that Congress is experimenting with the 2019 general elections to revive its organisational structure, rather than halt BJP’s march.

The reluctance to concede ground to allies and its choice of candidates are sufficient indications that Congress is experimenting with the 2019 general elections to revive its organisational structure, rather than halt BJP’s march. This is particularly pronounced in politically crucial UP. Political pundits want to know why Congress has changed its strategy from consolidating secular and democratic forces, to going alone in key states. Even its earlier plans to prevent the consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by adopting soft Hindutva, has been ignored. Unlike Sonia Gandhi’s strategy that led to the defeat of Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government in 2004, Rahul Gandhi has chosen to rebuild the mortgaged and depleted Congress 'haveli’, instead of dealing with the real situation on the ground. At a time, when the grand old party faces a real political threat, it is surprising that it was still not ready to concede ground to like-minded allies. Even in Jammu and Kashmir, where the party has no base, it has refused to part with two seats in the Kashmir Valley to ally National Conference or the PDP. Both these parties left two seats in the Jammu region to the Congress, making the contest a cliff hanger for the BJP. Instead, the Congress has fielded candidates from the north and south Kashmir seats. In stitching alliances, the NDA has taken the lead, cobbling together 40 parties. It has succeeded in bringing in estranged partners like Shiv Sena and Asom Gana Parishad, who were critical of Modi over the years. Alliances need sacrifices and BJP has shown the way by sacrificing its ministers and sitting MPs to concede seats to its allies. In the words of analyst Anurag Modi, the common village voter is hardly influenced by TV debates. His voice may not be heard by those sitting at the highest pedestals, but his time comes when India votes. Congress’s main challenge is to avoid the fragmentation of this vote. This can only be possible if Rahul Gandhi ignores sycophants around him and toes his mother’s tried and tested line. Rahul Gandhi’s experiment fits in with the resolution adopted at the September 1998 Congress session at the scenic Pachmarhi hills in Madhya Pradesh. The party decided to reclaim its lost ground by going to the polls alone, with the exception of few states like Tamil Nadu. Leaders, more sycophantic than visionary, told Sonia Gandhi in 1998 that the NDA will disappear and meet a fate similar to the Janata Party in 1979, which had ousted the Congress under powerful Indira Gandhi for just two years. It would appear that Rahul Gandhi has reached similar conclusions about the secular and regional parties thriving at the expense of the Congress. A senior Congress leader bluntly confided to this writer that while BJP is a political rival, regional secular parties were enemies. “They have eaten into our vote base, making us non-existent in West Bengal, Bihar, UP and Tamil Nadu,” he said. Sonia learned that going alone will harm the party. In the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, fighting solo under Sonia Gandhi, the Congress lost more ground, depleting its numbers further. Thereafter, the party lost state after state in the assembly elections. Following the 2002 Gujarat riots, CPI(M) general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet approached Sonia and asked her to review the Pachmarhi resolution. In a brainstorming session at Shimla in July 2003, the party adopted an open-minded approach on pre-poll and post-poll alliances, which, it said will be implemented at the national level. Soon after the Karnataka assembly elections last year in May, a revival of the 2004 Congress spirit to lead liberal and democratic forces, resurfaced. It was, in fact, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati who immediately dialled Sonia after the Karnataka election results indicated a fractured mandate. She reportedly brought the Congress and Janata Dal (S) chief, HD Devegowda, together to keep the BJP at bay in the southern state. She called up Devegowda and convinced him to take Congress support. Naturally, questions are being asked as to why Rahul didn’t restructure or rebuild the organisation in the last five years. After its worst defeat in 2014, it was a godsend scenario for the current Congress president to initiate reforms and delegate powers to district committees to choose candidates and be accountable. He had ample time to get the organisation come out of the grip of family loyalists. The result is that Congress remains in tatters, as Rahul has done nothing except make noises about “structural reforms”. He first told workers in UP that the party would not be revived in the state unless it contests on its own and then justified an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in the last assembly election. Even though Congress continues to be a central column for any secular alliance, there is need to have clarity on alliances. Many opposition leaders asked the Congress to emulate a Bihar-type grand alliance at the national level by sacrificing ego. Tactically, they asked the party to focus on west India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and leave eastern India, basically UP and Bihar, to regional parties to limit seats of the BJP-led NDA. But in the words of Rasheed Kidwai, a veteran writer on Congress affairs, the party’s 2019 story is bad and muddled. In addition to Rahul Gandhi’s inexperience, the grand old party lacks self-belief and its ability to communicate and connect, even though it has produced a really sound manifesto. But then Indian elections are not contested on manifestos alone. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ignoring key election allies: Congress lacks ability to communicate and connect

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday.&nbsp;

Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.&nbsp;

She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri.&nbsp;

“When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee.&nbsp;

She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?”&nbsp;

Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill.&nbsp;

“Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates.&nbsp;

The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone. She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri. “When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee. She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?” Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill. “Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said. The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates. The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata attacks BJP over NRC as she kickstarts poll campaign in Assam 

Congress releases party manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

PM Modi in Amroha: When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-advani-writes-blog-modi-says-he-perfectly-sums-up-true-essence-of-bjp-207968">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

"Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan."

The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people."

"Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha.

"Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said.

PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the terror issue to take on the Opposition while addressing an election rally in Amroha in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. "Replying to terrorists in their own language is not being liked by some people. When India hits back at the enemy, some people here start crying," the prime minister said, adding," When Pakistan is being exposed in front of the world these people start speaking in support of Pakistan." The prime minister thanked the UAE government for honouring him with the Zayed medal asserting that "this is not an award given to Modi but to the Indian people." "Congress, Samajwadi Party(SP) or BSP, they have all put your life and future in danger," PM Modi said at the election rally in Amroha. "Governments of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh Yadav) released terror accused, they were kind to them," the prime minister said. PM Modi will later travel to Dehradun in Uttarakhand to address another election rally today.

Replying to terrorists in their own language not liked by some people: PM Modi in Amroha rally

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him.

"I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul.

He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme.

He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor.

"The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said.

Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India.

The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, in an interaction with students in Pune, said that he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he has no anger against him. "I love Narendra Modi and I have no anger for him (at this point )," Rahul Gandhi said amid chants of 'Modi Modi'. During the interaction, some students asked Rahul for his comments about his sister Priyanka Gandhi calling him courageous. "I deal with what I'm faced with and I am persistent. If I decide to do something I'll do it. I like to stand for people. And I got the courage through experience," said Rahul. He also talked about the much-talked-about minimum income scheme NYAY introduced in Congress manifesto and said it will be implemented without raising income tax or burdening the middle class. "Money won't be taken from the middle class and income tax won't be raised," he said adding that all calculations have been done to fund the scheme. He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after taking inputs from all sections of the society, including farmers and the poor. "The Congress poll manifesto was prepared after speaking to all stakeholders. We spoke to farmers, students and all the stakeholders of the country," Rahul said. Asked about employment scenario in the country, he said around 27,000 jobs are being lost per hour in India. The Congress chief promised to reserve 33 per cent seats in Parliament, assemblies for women if his party is voted to power.

I love Narendra Modi, no anger against him: Rahul Gandhi

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers.

Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans."

"As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added.

Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply.

"Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said.

"When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law.

"Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said.

Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over.

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe.

Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country was safe because of its brave soldiers. Addressing a traders meeting here at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre, Rajnath Singh said, "It is because of the brave jawans of the country that we are safe. If there is any danger to them, each and every citizen of the country will unite and be ready to protect the brave jawans." "As many as 126 districts of the country were affected by the menace of Naxalism. But in the five years of the BJP government, the menace has been confined to only 5-6 districts. Soon this will also be eliminated," he added. Asserting that the government wanted better ties with Pakistan, the Union home minister said anyone who tries to harm India would get a befitting reply. "Pakistan is our neighbour. We want that our ties with it are better. But, if someone casts an evil eye on India, then there will be a befitting reply," he said. "When the terrorists were attacked in Pakistan, adequate caution was exercised by our jawans so that no innocent (in Pakistan) falls in the ambit of attack," he added. In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he said that he was surprised by the party's promise in their election manifesto to scrap the sedition law. "Someone threatens to destroy India, and action will not be initiated? How is it possible? I feel ashamed of people who speak these things," he said. Rajnath Singh also assured the traders that their demands will be looked into after the election process is over. On the Goods and Services Tax (GST) he said, "I am not saying that the traders did not face any problems due to GST. But, the problems were gradually resolved and solution will be found in future as well."

India safe because of its brave soldiers: Rajnath Singh

Union&nbsp;minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency,&nbsp;saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi.

Congress president is contesting from the seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

Referring to the Congress chief, Irani said a person who is here in Amethi for the past 15 years has decided to leave his supporters and has chosen to file nominations from another constituency.&nbsp;

"He is filing his papers from another Lok Sabha seat. This is an insult to Amethi and a betrayal with its people. The people will not tolerate this," she told reporters in Amethi.&nbsp;

Irani said that Rahul decided to contest from Wayanad as he does not&nbsp;have support in Amethi.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency, saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi.

Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Thursday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for filing nomination from Wayanad constituency, saying his decision to contest from the Kerala seat was an "insult" to the people of Amethi. Congress president is contesting from the seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Referring to the Congress chief, Irani said a person who is here in Amethi for the past 15 years has decided to leave his supporters and has chosen to file nominations from another constituency. "He is filing his papers from another Lok Sabha seat. This is an insult to Amethi and a betrayal with its people. The people will not tolerate this," she told reporters in Amethi. Irani said that Rahul decided to contest from Wayanad as he does not have support in Amethi.

Rahul's decision to contest from Wayanad insult to Amethi: Irani

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh.

It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri.

The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli.

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BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/uQvwJpGRSl">pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl</a>
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The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004.

The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj.

On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour.

Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena.

The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav.

The BJP on Wednesday dropped its sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, whose name was opposed by ally Shiv Sena, as its candidate from Mumbai North East and also announced its nominees for the Lok Sabha election against key opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi of the Congress and SP's Akhilesh Yadav. The BJP has pitted well-known Bhojpuri actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Azamgarh. It has fielded Prem Singh Shakya against Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav from Mainpuri. The BJP has named Dinesh Pratap Singh, a local strongman who had left the Congress to join it last year, as its candidate against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli. BJP releases 16th list of 6 candidates in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for #LokSabhaElections2019 . Manoj Kotak to contest from Mumbai North East (where Kirit Somaiya is the sitting MP), Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirhua' to contest from Azamgarh (UP) against SP's Akhilesh Yadav. pic.twitter.com/uQvwJpGRSl — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × The seat has long been a bastion of the Gandhi family with the former Congress president representing it in Lok Sabha since 2004. The party has replaced sitting Machhlishahr MP Ram Charitra Nishad with V P Saroj. On Mumbai North East constituency, Shiv Sena had been bitterly opposed to Somaiya's candidature. And the BJP's decision to replace him with Manoj Kotal underscores its keenness to keep its Hindutva ally in good humour. Somaiya, an old BJP hand and one of its leading speakers on economic issues in Parliament, had been a trenchant critic of the Sena. The BJP named Chandra Sen Jadun as its candidate from Firozabad. The SP had won from Azamgarh, Mainpuri and Firozabad in 2014, with members of its ruling Yadav family emerging victorious.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP drops Kirit Somaiya, names candidates against Sonia, Mulayam, Akhilesh